Olympics

THEN: 1967–68

Anonymous — Mon, 06 Nov 2023 07:00:00 +0000

THEN: 1967–68 Anonymous (not verified) Mon, 11/06/2023 - 00:00

In 1968, Sandy Hildner (A&S’67) was among CU’s first woman Olympians after training with the men’s ski team under coach Bob Beattie. In 1967, she won the Roch Cup downhill in Aspen, Colorado (pictured), and was the U.S. National Giant Slalom Champion before racing in the Olympic women’s downhill event in Grenoble, France, the next year.

Hildner died in January 2019. On Aug. 27, 2023, she was inducted into the Colorado Snowsports Museum and Hall of Fame in Vail, Colorado.

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Photo courtesy Hildner family

In 1968, Sandy Hildner became CU’s first woman Olympian after training with the men’s ski team under coach Bob Beattie.

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CU Alum Flora Duffy Wins Bermuda’s First Olympic Gold Medal

Anonymous — Fri, 05 Nov 2021 06:00:00 +0000

CU Alum Flora Duffy Wins Bermuda’s First Olympic Gold Medal Anonymous (not verified) Fri, 11/05/2021 - 00:00

Ally Dever

On a rainy Tuesday in Tokyo this August, Flora Duffy (Soc’13) crossed the finish line of the 2020 Olympic Triathlon one minute ahead of her competition, securing the first-ever Olympic gold medal for her home country of Bermuda.

Duffy’s story mirrors that of a comeback kid: The 33-year-old never finished higher than eighth in her previous three Olympic tries.

Her revival was partially inspired by her decision to attend CU �鶹ӰԺ. In the 2008 Beijing Olympics, Duffy crashed her bike and dropped out of the race. She consequently left the sport and enrolled at CU to earn her sociology degree.

“I wanted to go to college and knew �鶹ӰԺ was a great place for sports and particularly triathlon,” she said. “It gave me the option to get back into it if I wanted to, but I could also just enjoy life as a regular college student.”

In 2010, Duffy joined CU’s club cycling team. There, she forged new friendships with teammates who propelled her to train for another Olympic games.

“It made competing fun again,” she said. “It motivated and inspired me to get back into triathlon and pursue it full time, once I finished up my studies.”

With support from teammates, Duffy trained for and competed in the 2012 and 2016 Olympic Games before taking gold in Tokyo.

She didn’t stop there.

One month after the 2020 Olympics, Duffy took first place in the World Triathlon Championship Series, making her the first triathlete in history to win Olympic gold and the world championship title in the same year.

Read a longer version of this story in CU �鶹ӰԺ Today.

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Photos courtesy World Triathlon

The athlete took first place at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Triathlon.

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Staying Positive: Q&A with Olympic Triathlete Morgan Pearson

Anonymous — Fri, 23 Jul 2021 18:50:21 +0000

Staying Positive: Q&A with Olympic Triathlete Morgan Pearson Anonymous (not verified) Fri, 07/23/2021 - 12:50

After running cross country and track at CU, Morgan Pearson (Econ, Math’16) worked odd jobs while pursuing a professional running career. He wanted a change that might incorporate his other athletic abilities. Pearson emailed the USA Triathlon’s (USAT) Collegiate Recruitment Program hoping his running times would interest them. They immediately sent him a bike, and he soon began training as a triathlete. In May, he qualified for the Olympics with an overall time of 1:43:12. Five years after Pearson reached out to USAT, he is headed to the 2020 Tokyo Olympics as a U.S. triathlete. Here, he reflects on his athletic background and his dreams of being the best on earth.

How did you get started as a runner and athlete?
My older brother ran cross country in middle school when we attended Delbarton, a school in New Jersey. I wanted to be like him!

Why the triathlon?
I grew up swimming and lifeguard training in the ocean, then I started running. So, I have a really good background for triathlon. I also love to train really hard, which triathlons require.

You were the first U.S. man ever to medal in multiple World Triathlon Championship Series events in one year, and you now rank 11th in the world. What is it like going into the Olympics with this background? Does this experience affect your outlook at all?

I'm actually the first male to win multiple medals, period (counting multiple years). I believe I am not a medal favorite, but I can be considered a contender based on my performance in Leeds and Yokohama. I am in really good shape, and I know I have the ability to medal. I am still relatively new to the sport, but I am telling myself I am a savvy veteran.

What motivates you?
My family. And wanting to be the best in the world.

What is your favorite trail to run on near �鶹ӰԺ?
Gold Hill!

What advice would you give to young athletes with Olympic dreams?
Be positive. It's easy to get down on yourself, but if you stay positive over the course of a season and a year, you will always be trending in the right direction. That, and: It is not supposed to be easy.

Is there anything else you would like to share?
I am honored to represent the United States in the Olympics. This past year and a half with COVID has been extremely difficult on a lot of people, and I am hoping the Olympics are a way the world can come together for something positive. Also, go Buffs!

Watch Morgan Pearson compete in the Olympic Triathlon on July 26, 2021.

Interview condensed and edited by Grace Dearnley (Engl'21)

Morgan Pearson (Econ, Math’16) reflects on his athletic background and his dreams of being the best on earth.

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Steeplechaser Val Constien Is Headed to Tokyo

Anonymous — Mon, 19 Jul 2021 16:45:12 +0000

Steeplechaser Val Constien Is Headed to Tokyo Anonymous (not verified) Mon, 07/19/2021 - 10:45

Val Constien (EnvEngr’19) works full time for running technology company Stryd while training in the steeplechase, a 3,000m obstacle race. When the third place shoo-in withdrew due to an injury just a few weeks before the Olympic qualifiers, Constien realized she had a real shot at going to Tokyo. With a third place finish in the qualifiers — a time of 9:18.34 — Constien is headed to the 2020 Summer Olympics.

How’d you get started as a runner?

I started my athletic career doing children's soccer and gymnastics. I actually didn't start competing in distance events until high school. In middle school, I ran the 200m and I did the long jump. Distance running was really hard for me at first. Before high school, the most I ever ran was 2 miles. Once I built some endurance, my love affair with running began!

Why the steeplechase?

Mark Wetmore and Heather Burroughs, two of CU’s track and field coaches, recruited me for the steeplechase. To be honest I didn't know what that was until I signed with CU. It worked out for the best because I don't think I have the same level of talent required for flat races. My flat 3k time has never been faster than my steeplechase time for more than a few months. The barriers don't really slow me down.

You work 40 hours a week for Stryd and still make time for your Olympic aspirations. How do you think it affects your outlook and training?

Working a full-time job is the best thing that has ever happened to me. I love the structure that it brings to my life and it has encouraged me to be a more focused person. This is also the first time in my life that I have some financial security and freedom. I make enough money that I don't stress out about big things like travel expenses or little day-to-day things like food and running shoes. With this kind of peace of mind, I can relax and settle into a good training routine.

What motivates you?

I just want to run fast. It's that simple for me. Running is really fun and is made better when you feel fast and see your fitness improve over time.

I am motivated by self-improvement and chasing down professionals, too.

What is your favorite trail to run on near �鶹ӰԺ?

I love running the Lower Mesa Trail in the summer. It's also really fun to explore the Upper Mesa Trail too, but this trail is really challenging so I can't run it every week. It helps that my house is less than a mile away from both of these trailheads!

What advice would you give to young athletes with Olympic dreams?

Young athletes should try to have as much fun with their sport as possible. If the athlete is having fun and developing a love for the sport then the sky's the limit! If you love what you do, then you can enjoy the journey no matter what happens.

What do you like to do when you’re not running?

I like to read my books and cook new foods. Usually, I am either running, working or sleeping, so the little time I have is very special.

Is there anything else you would like to share?

I would like to reiterate the importance of happiness in athletic success. One of the reasons I didn't have much college success is because I was very unhappy for most of my undergraduate career. Now that I'm living a life that I love, running is easy to pour my heart into.

Watch Val Constien compete in round one of the Olympic Steeplechase on Aug. 1, 2021.

Photos courtesy of Val Constien.

Interview condensed and edited by Grace Dearnley (Engl’21).

Val Constien (EnvEngr'19) reflects on the benefits of working full-time while training for the Olympics and the importance of happiness for success.

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Q&A with CU Runner and Olympian Joe Klecker

Anonymous — Thu, 15 Jul 2021 15:19:43 +0000

Q&A with CU Runner and Olympian Joe Klecker Anonymous (not verified) Thu, 07/15/2021 - 09:19

After graduating in the middle of the pandemic, Joe Klecker (Biochem’20) embarked on a professional running career. He signed with On as a founding athlete of the On Athletics Club (OAC), coached by Dathan Ritzenhein (Hist’06). On June 18, Klecker qualified for the Olympics in the 10,000m run with a time of 27:54:90. Here, he reflects on his favorite �鶹ӰԺ trail, where he finds motivation.

How did you get started as a runner?

I was introduced to running at a very young age. My mom was a 1992 Olympian in the marathon for Team USA. My dad was the former world record holder for the 50-mile ultramarathon and was a great marathoner as well. Also, all of my older siblings ran on the cross-country team, so when I was able to join the cross-country team in 7th grade, it felt like a very natural move. I often ran with my older brother John while in elementary school and fell in love with seeing tangible improvement over time.

Why the 10,000m race?

I first tried the event last December and ran very close to the Olympic standard, so it seemed this event suited me pretty well. I ran 27:35; the standard is 27:28. I love the 5,000m and the 1,500m as well, but I felt my best shot to make the Olympic team and represent Team USA well lied in focusing just on the 10k.

What motivates you?

My biggest motivation is my family. Over the years, every member of my family has invested so much into my career that I feel extra pressure to perform because of it. For instance, during the Olympic trials, my whole family flew out to Eugene to see me race. My brother came all the way from Long Island; my sister braved taking her 1-year-old on the plane. That all makes me want to achieve my goals even more. They have all sacrificed to support me, so I felt I needed to make that Olympic team.

What is your favorite trail to run on near �鶹ӰԺ?

My favorite trail is the Open Sky Loop north of �鶹ӰԺ near Lagerman Reservoir. It is a perfect five-mile loop, with only two small road crossings and a great view of the mountains. It makes the miles very enjoyable.

What advice would you give to young athletes with Olympic dreams?

I think having the goal of “making the olympics” can be daunting. But if you set goals of small improvements every day, eventually you will be shocked with how far you have come.

What do you like to do when you’re not running?

I love spending time with my family and two dogs.

Watch Joe Klecker race in the 10,000m on July 30, 2021.

Interview condensed and edited by Grace Dearnley (Engl'21).

Top photo by Justin Britton; Right photo by Bit Klecker.

Joe Klecker (Biochem'20) reflects on his favorite �鶹ӰԺ trail, where he finds motivation.

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No More Next Times: Q&A with Olympic Marathoner Jake Riley

Anonymous — Wed, 14 Jul 2021 16:02:01 +0000

No More Next Times: Q&A with Olympic Marathoner Jake Riley Anonymous (not verified) Wed, 07/14/2021 - 10:02

When Jake Riley (MMechEngr’21) ran in the Olympic Marathon Trials Feb. 29, he didn’t think he’d qualify for the Games — until he reached the last 10 meters of the race. After four years as a student athlete at Stanford, a professional running career, struggles with injuries and finally a move to �鶹ӰԺ to study and train, Riley competed at the trials with his mantra “no more next times” in mind. He placed second with a time of 2:10:02, and is headed to Tokyo this summer for the Olympics. Here, he reflects on his earliest wins, the importance of balance and the motivation of self-improvement.

How did you get started as a runner?

In elementary school in New Zealand, I went to a city cross-country meet. I didn’t know much about running, but I went. When I got there — I was a third grader, so take this with a grain of salt — I won it. That was a really big deal for me. I got a medal; I wore it around all the time. So that kind of gave me my first little taste.

Then in middle school, after we’d moved back to the States, on the first day of track they took all of the sixth graders around and had us try out all the events. There was this kid who was just crushing everyone in everything. He won the high jump, he won the 100m; he won pretty much all of it. Then in the 1600m run, I beat him. That was a very big deal for me. I think that was kind of my first introduction to winning and to the idea that this was something not only I am good at, but that I am good at in comparison to other people. It was something that was kind of mine.

How did you go from the 1600m race to the marathon now?

Well, it’s always just been whatever was the longest event I could do. I think by most standards I’m fast, but by professional standards I’m not that quick. But I’ve got staying power; I can tough it out. My skill set is about being able to hold a moderately difficult pace for a really long time. Every time I move up in distance, I’ve been more successful, so it was inevitable that I would eventually get to the marathon. I have not started doing ultramarathons yet, but I think it’s only a matter of time.

You just graduated with your master’s degree, so you were training for the Olympics while you were studying mechanical engineering. What was that like?

I was dealing with not being able to find a job, and feeling like I had some unfinished business with running. I figured I could work part time, go to school part time and I could train. I was looking for places I could find a challenging academic career and a solid running community. �鶹ӰԺ checked those boxes. I got into CU and worked on grad school part time; I got a job working as an SAT tutor.

Since making the Olympics, my trajectory has changed a little bit. But eventually, I’d like to work in athletics. I’d love to do shoe design. Something along the lines of creating the next generation of training shoes.

What advice would you give to young athletes with Olympic dreams?

Balance, I think. In general, I see a lot of people who think that in order to be successful at your sport it has to be all that sport all the time. It’s really easy to get burnt out because running is a huge time commitment. Sports take a lot of emotional energy; they take a lot of physical energy. That’s hard to sustain over a whole Olympic cycle or even a whole season.

I’m in one of those sports — and I would say gymnastics, swimming, a bunch of these other ones, too — that’s only popular every four years. That means you’ve got four years when you’re digging in the trenches, you’re in the dark, and you’ve got to sustain that high emotional energy, focus and drive. That can be draining. It’s really, really helpful to have something else there.

Would you say that you’re more motivated by achievement or do you really just love the act of running?

I wouldn’t necessarily say I’m motivated by achievement. I watched that Michael Jordan Last Dance documentary and he talked about how every time he went on the court he had to win. I don’t have quite that solely-motivated-by-competition fire.

I do think my motivation is partly success related, but also partly about how much better I can be than I was last time. When the training is doing what you wanted it to do, that feels amazing. And then the cherry on top is when you can take the buildup and time commitment and put it into a race to see the results. So, some of it is self-improvement. But a little bit of it is, yeah, running can be fun.

What is your favorite training trail near �鶹ӰԺ?

We start at Marshall Mesa Trailhead, and then you can go underneath HWY 93 — it’s called Community Ditch. So, you take Community Ditch and then there’s this loop we do through El Dorado Canyon Park.

First of all, on Community Ditch you’re running right toward the mountains. You’ve got the Flatirons laid out in front of you over this gorgeous plain. Then you get a bit of the hills and you run through the pines. After that, it leads you through this little slot canyon in El Dorado. There’s a whole bunch of little places you can add on if you want. It’s a soft surface, technical trail without being too technical. I love it.

What do you do for fun?

I have all the subscription services. But I guess it’s kind of tiresome for me to say I’m watching Game of Thrones for the second time. We also go camping. I love Estes Park. I met my girlfriend through pub trivia, so we do a lot of that. More of that is online since COVID. If I weren’t training, I might go with some friends to play volleyball in Denver.

Watch Jake Riley compete in the Olympic Marathon Aug. 2, 2021.

Interview condensed and edited by Grace Dearnley (Engl'21).

Photo courtesy Brian Metzler (top); Zach Hetrick (right)

Alum Jake Riley reflects on his earliest wins, the importance of balance and the motivation of self-improvement.

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From Running to Reporting: Q&A with Kara Goucher

Anonymous — Wed, 14 Jul 2021 15:22:40 +0000

From Running to Reporting: Q&A with Kara Goucher Anonymous (not verified) Wed, 07/14/2021 - 09:22

In 2008, Kara Goucher (Psych’01) ran the 5,000m and the 10,000m races for the U.S. at the Beijing Olympics. In 2012, she returned to the Olympics as a U.S. marathoner. She has since transitioned to trail running and most recently has started a career as a track and field and distance analyst for NBC TV. This summer, she is headed to the Olympics again — this time, as a commentator for NBC. Below, she discusses her favorite �鶹ӰԺ trail, how her racing career informs her reporting and the importance of believing in one’s own abilities.

How did you get started as a runner and athlete?
I started running when I was six years old. My grandfather was a lifelong runner who took me to a race. I started organized running in seventh grade and fell in love with it. That eventually led to a scholarship at CU and then to two Olympic teams.

What was it like to transition from your role as a professional athlete to your current role as a sports analyst?

I’m new to this job! I was asked to audition earlier this year and have only called a few competitions so far. I called the distance races at the Olympic Trials last month. That was good preparation for what the Olympic Games will be like.

Obviously, my years of being a professional athlete on the track circuit allow me to see the races in a different light. My job is to share with the audience why things are unfolding the way they are.

How has your perspective on the games changed as your role has changed from competitor to analyst?

Of course, when I was competing, the Olympics were the ultimate height of my athletic achievement. Now that I’m removed from competition, I realize that there is so much more to a career. As an athlete, reaching the Olympics is always the goal. Working for NBC is different. We are at the games, and our job is to tell the athletes’ stories well.

What excites you most about the opportunity to report and comment on the Olympics for NBC TV?

I’m most excited to get the audience to care about the athletes on the track. I want to explain strategies and who the athletes are as people. I’m excited to see the races unfold in front of me and talk about it!

Do you have a favorite trail to run on near �鶹ӰԺ?

There are so many. I do love Bobolink for easy recovery runs.

What advice would you give to young athletes with Olympic dreams?

You have to believe in yourself. But also, remember: making the team or not making the team does not define you. As long as you are enjoying the process and doing it with integrity, you should be proud of your pursuit! Most people won’t make an Olympic team. It’s an honorable pursuit, but does not define you as an athlete or a person.

What do you like to do when you’re not running or reporting?
I love being a mom to my son Colt, designing running clothes for Oiselle, encouraging other people to run, reading, cooking and spending lots of time with my family.

Interview condensed and edited by Grace Dearnley (Engl'21)

Photos courtesy of Kara Goucher

Kara Goucher (Psych'01) discusses her favorite �鶹ӰԺ trail, how her racing career informs her reporting and the importance of believing in one’s own abilities.

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CU �鶹ӰԺ's Olympic Games Legacy

Anonymous — Fri, 02 Jul 2021 06:00:00 +0000

CU �鶹ӰԺ's Olympic Games Legacy Anonymous (not verified) Fri, 07/02/2021 - 00:00

�鶹ӰԺ has long been a mecca for outdoor adventure, and CU’s strong historic presence at the Olympic Games proves it. Since 1948, the university has produced over 90 Olympic athletes who have competed in events across the globe. In honor of the upcoming Tokyo Games, here’s a look at CU’s storied history of Olympians.

CU had the most Summer Olympians in its history in 2000 (8) and the most Winter Olympians in 1972 (13).

Over 90 CU �鶹ӰԺ Forever Buffs have attended the Olympics. Among universities and colleges with the most Olympians, CU ranks 10th.

20 medals have been won by CU Olympians in total (9 Gold, 4 Silver, 7 Bronze).

1st: CU has more affiliated Olympic cyclists (13) and alpine skiers (29) than any other university and ranks second in shooting sports (7) and third in judo (6).

6 Olympic coaches have been affiliated with CU.

CU �鶹ӰԺ 2020 Olympians*

Emma Coburn (Mktg'13), 3,000-meter steeplechase, Team USA
Val Constien (EnvEngr'18), 3,000-meter steeplechase, Team USA
Flora Duffy (Soc'13), Triathalon, Team Bermuda
Erin Huck (MechEng'04), Mountain Bike, Team USA
Joe Klecker (BioChem'20), 10,000-meter run, Team USA
Morgan Pearson (Econ, Math'16), Triathalon, Team USA
Jacob Riley (MMechEng'21), Marathon, Team USA
Melissa Stockwell (Comm'02), Triathalon, Team USA

CU �鶹ӰԺ-affiliated 2020 Olympic Journalists*

Read about CU �鶹ӰԺ's cadre of Olympic Games journalists, veterans and first-timers alike, some reporting in person and others from as far away as Berlin.

John Branch (Mktg'89, MJour'96), New York Times reporter
Greg Bull (Jour'91), AP photographer covering gymnastics
Marina Dmukhovskaya (CU instructor), Olympics.com team
Kara Goucher (Psych'01), NBC broadcaster
Peter Lasser (Comm'76), NBC producer
Cheryl Preheim (Comm'95), NBC Atlanta reporter
Carl Quintanilla (PoliSci'93), NBC host team
Lina Takahashi (Jour'19), NBC Sports Group, Olympic Games management assistant

Learn more about all 2020 CU system Olympians.

*The Coloradan staff is tracking this information as it becomes available. Please reach out to editor@colorado.edu if you'd like to add to the list. Go Buffs!

Submit feedback to the editor

Photo courtesy CU Athletics (Ceal Barry, Robert Jeangerard and Jenny Simpson); CU Heritage Center (David Bolen); Billy Kidd

Since 1948, the CU �鶹ӰԺ has produced over 90 Olympic athletes who have competed in events across the globe.

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Talking with CU Track Champion Sage Hurta

Anonymous — Fri, 02 Jul 2021 06:00:00 +0000

Talking with CU Track Champion Sage Hurta Anonymous (not verified) Fri, 07/02/2021 - 00:00

Andrew Daigle

Sage Hurta (ChemBioEngr’21) is the NCAA women’s indoor track champion in the mile. The self-described perfectionist reveals how embracing failure and a short-term memory are propelling her success.

How did you get started running?

My parents were part of a local cross-country running team. As soon as I was able to, I wanted to start competing as well. Once I got into middle school, I joined the high school team.

You won New York’s state cross-country title the first time as a 7th grader?

Kind of crazy. I was in a small school group, so it wasn’t quite as competitive as with the big schools. I just had a really good race that day.

What were your biggest challenges when transitioning to a Division-1 program?

It was a jump in intensity. I remember one of my first weeks, I was so exhausted. I thought: ’How am I going to do four years of this?’ But you get used to it pretty quickly. Running is a lot more fun — and you see more gains and fitness —when you’re all pushing each other.

How have your roles on the cross-country and track teams changed?

Freshman year, I was pretty timid. I didn’t want to step on anyone’s toes, especially when I was gunning for one of the top spots. But you build those relationships, and it becomes a lot more comfortable. I can be myself and lead through example.

You were dealing with injuries in 2020. What did you do for rehab?

With bone injuries, unfortunately, it’s mostly rest. I focused on strengthening and stability because I was having the same injury again and again. I needed to fix some things with my foot and hip strength. I had to become more conscious in my training and learn to stop pushing when I’m tired.

Once sports shut down due to the pandemic, how long did you go between official practices?

We didn’t get going until the end of August, so six months. Even from August to January, we had false starts and breaks where we couldn’t meet as a team.

What did you do to train when you couldn’t be with your team?

I do everything [my coaches] say... and then five percent more. I always think about those big race opportunities that I’m building towards. Unfortunately, my past injuries coincide with times that we’ve been [training] on our own because I’ll do more than I should. I have a hard time pulling back.

You had months away from the team, you were rehabbing, and then the 2021 in-door season started. Two months later [in March] you were the National Champion in the mile. How did that happen?

My most recent injury was in November [2020]. When I opened the season at Arkansas in January, I’d only been running for seven weeks. I would go into workouts and think, “I don’t know if I can do that. I haven’t run that fast in a year and a half.” But, by the time February rolled around, I felt more comfortable and started gaining momentum.

With a prolonged off-season, how did you keep tabs on rivals?

The track community, the distance side especially, is super connected. There aren’t huge surprises. People who were good in 2019 are generally still good.

What is something you’ve learned from Coach Mark Wetmore and Coach Heather Burroughs?

I tend to be a perfectionist, and it can hold me back sometimes. I’m learning not to fear failure. If you’re afraid of failure, you’re more likely to hold yourself back and it’s harder to recover from a disappointing race. The thing they always say is to have short-term memory, whether you have a good day or bad day.

Do your study habits inform your approach to running?

I’m super meticulous. I like to check all the boxes with my schoolwork. I’m not someone who’s ever going to cut a corner. I have this saying,“In order to be ahead, you have to get ahead.” And I’m that way in my training. You have to be disciplined.

What’s the plan for after graduation?

I am planning on running professionally right out of school. There’s this period between the NCAA meet and the Olympic trials when I have to get everything in order with an agent. I hope to run for as long as possible. As of now, I want to be a doctor in the long term.

If you’re away from school and training, what are you doing?

Whenever I’m home over break, I go crazy baking cakes and croissants. My favorite thing to do is tackle a big baking project or read and hang out with my dogs.

Interview condensed and edited for clarity.

Submit feedback to the editor

Photo by Watt Beazley

New York-native Sage Hurta is the NCAA women’s indoor track champion in the mile.

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CU's First Olympian

Anonymous — Mon, 01 Jun 2020 18:00:00 +0000

CU's First Olympian Anonymous (not verified) Mon, 06/01/2020 - 12:00

Christie Sounart

CU’s first Olympian, David Bolen, pictured far right, placed fourth in the 400-meter race.

As discussions evolve concerning the rescheduled Olympic Games in Tokyo, we take a look at CU �鶹ӰԺ’s first Olympian: David Bolen.

Defining moments were constant throughout the 96-year-old’s life. A couple ring most important to him.

“There are two positions that I’ve had that nobody can take away from me,” Bolen (Mktg, MBA’50) told the Denver Post in 2012. “I’m an Olympian, and I’m an ambassador.”

In 1948, Bolen [pictured above, far right] became the first CU student to qualify for the U.S. Olympic team. He trained while studying for his MBA in �鶹ӰԺ after a stellar year on the CU track and field team, which included a second-place finish against the world-record holder in the 400-meter dash at the NCAA Championships.

In 1947, CU �鶹ӰԺ coach Frank Potts said Bolen was “the most versatile runner I’ve ever seen.” Bolen’s time in �鶹ӰԺ was often challenging. He experienced segregation and discrimination — he once had to drive 30 miles to find a barber who’d cut his hair. But he made a name for himself on the track.

During the Olympic tryouts in 1948, the then 25-year-old placed second in the 400-meter dash with a time of 47.2 seconds. He took fourth place in the Olympic finals in London. Coloradans were ecstatic.

Bolen was named the 1948 Rocky Mountain area athlete of the year, and CU �鶹ӰԺ’s C Club, an organization for university varsity letter winners, created an award in his name to honor future CU Olympians. CU declared Nov. 20, 1948, “David Bolen Day.”

After graduation, Bolen began his career in foreign service, which led to his appointment as ambassador.

“To be a world-class athlete is something, but being in London increased my interest in the Olympics and what sports could do for world peace and prosperity and bringing people together,” he told the Post.

As ambassador to Botswana, Lesotho and Swaziland starting in 1974, Bolen helped initiate what would lead to the dismantling of apartheid in South Africa. Then as ambassador to East Germany beginning in 1977, he helped lay the foundation for the Berlin Wall’s fall.

In letters, President Richard Nixon praised Bolen’s character and ability.

When he retired in 1989, he and his late wife Betty Bolen (Art’50) returned to �鶹ӰԺ. He now resides in Scottsdale, Arizona.

His legacy set the stage for what is now more than 85 Buff Olympians.

At a CU business school awards ceremony in 2013 Bolen said: “In thinking about my days as the first Olympian here at the university, I believe, athletically, that a curtain of opportunity was lifted and the windows of CU were opened to the world.”

Photo courtesy International Olympic Committee/United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee

CU has had over 85 Olympians. It all started with David Bolen.

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THEN: 1967–68

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